The Best Mistake

Chapter Forty

Ava's POV
 
The last few weeks became a pattern. Work, home and my mother's house was a daily ritual that I've grown to love. Things at R.P were going beautifully. I was assigned to a new author, Alex, who needed help on a sequel to her first book. Alex was tenacious to say in the least. While I'm not accustomed to someone so intense, I love how she continues to surprise and present me with new challenges. Operating as a full-time editor while still assisting Caleb was a lot more challenging than I expected. However, with all of the extra money coming in I don't regret it. I love my job. Outside of work, my social life wasn't completely dull. Royce and I have been working on patching up our relationship and finally talking about seeking counseling. We agreed that we wanted to fight for our relationship, and I was ecstatic about that. When I wasn't with the girls or spending time with Royce, I was with my mother planning her wedding. Julia, Cat and I have devoted these few weeks into planning the best backyard wedding for my mother, especially since she wanted me to be the one to marry her and Joey. So, while planning her wedding I was able to become a wedding officiant, which was easy. I loved those moments to be able to bond with my friends and my mom while we arranged the perfect fall wedding right in time for Thanksgiving. Through and through, life has been good, there is however one slight hitch, Mason. Mason has been acting strange towards me for a while now and I'm beginning to wonder if I did something to offend him. He has barely talked to me since I opened the can of worms on the beach. It was Caleb who filled me in on the family's fiasco. I was given a detailed recount of what occurred at the family's home that night, while Mason seemed to be avoiding me at all costs. He calls to speak to the girls and only the girls, if he comes down to Vancouver to visit them, he only takes them out alone. While I'm glad that he is at a point where he can just pick the girls up and be with them, there's a part of me that missed those days when we all went out to do little activities together. Royce is thrilled to see the distance, but I can't help feeling a little sour. I know it's selfish, but I can't shake the feeling that he's upset with me. I plan to approach him if his distant behavior continues. It was Sunday afternoon when I made my way to Seattle to pick up the girls. They spent the weekend at Mason’s, and they were exuberant, of course so was I. It gave me a little break and time to focus on my work. Mason had his own work to attend to since he basically cut ties with his father, luckily Marie was still staying with him and was able to keep the girls entertained. Mason and I arranged for the girls to be with him for two weekends every month and so far, despite his distance with me, our coparenting has been successful. It was nearly 2pm when I pulled up in front of his home. Normally I'd let him bring the girls home on Monday’s, but my mom's wedding is tomorrow, and the ladies are having a mini spa day before the big event. Mason gave me my own key to his home a while ago, but this was my first time using it. The house was quiet when I entered it and I quickly made my way to the kitchen after hearing a soft clutter. Mason was standing by the countertop making sandwiches with a gentle smile on his face. He was wearing dark wash jeans with a long-sleeved grey turtleneck shirt. He didn't notice my entrance, so I took a moment and leaned against the wall watching him assemble the girl's lunch I assumed. I know that his distance with me shouldn't bother me as much as it should, but I can't seem to help it. Probably sensing my stare, his green eyes locked with my blue ones and for a second, we were silent. He looked startled, yet in awe, leaving me curious as to what he was thinking about.
 
"Hi." I broke the silence.
 
"Hey."
 
"What are you up to?" I asked awkwardly.
 
He stared at the knife in his hand blankly for a moment. "Oh um, making lunch for the girls. They're outside with my mom. She's painting with them to keep them occupied."
 
That was the most words he said to me in weeks and my heart ached. Before I could respond, Marie entered through the glass doors wearing loose pants and a t-shirt. She was covered in paint and it was the most casual I've ever seen her. "Oh, hello Ava." She smiled.
 
"Hi Marie, how are you?"
 
"I'm lovely darling. The girls and I were painting on the lawn. Lovely weather today, a little chilly but still nice."
 
I smiled, "It is."
 
"So, Amy's big day is tomorrow, I'm sure she's bursting with anticipation." She winked.
 
I nodded. "Yes, she's a complete ball of nerves right now."
 
"Oh, I know. I'm sorry I won't be able to make it though. I wished I could reschedule my event." I waved her off knowing that my mom was already okay with it. "I remember how I was the day before my wedding day. It was a lovely day." A dazed look took over her face and she sighed gently. Mason too looked a little forlorn. "Well let's check on the girls." She grinned. I frowned, noting how fast her emotions seemed to change.
 
We headed outside together, and I smiled watching the girls painting in their little aprons. They looked so focused on their work as they sat on their little chairs in the grass.
 
"Where did you find such cute little easels?" I asked.
 
"I had them made just for them, it's even adjustable." Mason said proudly and I nodded in approval.
 
Peppa spotted me first. She dropped her brush and dashed over to me. "Momma!" She yelled as I grabbed her. Lily soon followed suit running into my arms also. They babbled for three minutes straight about what they did with their Nana Ann and daddy. I smiled happily and listened enthusiastically, making sure to wow and ooo when necessary.
 
"Girls, daddy made you lunch." Marie said. Mason led the girls to a tiny patio table and chairs that were identical to the one we sat at to eat. I lifted a brow in surprise at the detail and Marie chuckled under her breath. "Yea he tends to go overboard sometimes. Like father like son I suppose."
 
I looked over to her noting the same dazed look again. "Are you okay?" I asked. She looked towards me with a sad smile and nodded. I gave her an incredulous look and she chuckled.
 
"I will be." She murmured.
 
"Have you spoken to him since then?"
 
She nodded, "He calls me every day but it's only for a few moments. I haven't seen him since that horrid night though." She stared at the girls while they ate and frowned slightly.
 
"You miss him."
 
"I won't allow him to drive my children and grandchildren away from me." She never took her eyes off Mason and the girls.
 
"I know, but it's okay to miss him and want to be with him."
 
"I don't want to be with that Charles, I want my old Charles, the one I fell in love with when I was nineteen years old."
 
"What was he like?"
 
Marie smiled before looking at me. "He was much like Mason is now, determined, loyal, persuasive. He worked so hard to always stay at the top and make his parents proud. When he's passionate about something he doesn't relents and he was passionate about three things, me, success and not becoming like his father."
 
"What was his father like?"
 
"Believe or not, worse than Charles is now. The man was made of stone. I remember wondering if he was even human because his emotions were non-existent, not for his wife or his children. He didn't believe in failure, so once you don't succeed, you must leave." She mumbled looking away again.
 
"That's horrible." I couldn't imagine what Mason would be like if his father was that way.
 
"Yes, it was. Charles never wanted to be like him. So, he worked hard to make a name for himself so his father wouldn't ever have leverage over him." Her eyes locked onto mines. "That's why we were barely there for them growing up. We worked so hard and attended so many events to help the family name thrive. I had no idea the damage being done until it was too late. There were moments I felt horrible about their tedious schedules that Charles insisted on and gave them moments of play, so they'd know that we loved them. Even after all of that, he became his father anyway."
 
"Why didn't you ever stand up for them against Charles?" I asked before I could stop myself. I covered my mouth quickly, "Oh, I'm sorry."
 
Marie shook her head instantly. "No, it's a valid question and you have every right to ask it. I was raised to be docile, submissive, to always stay by my husband's side and agreeable. I was primed and groomed by my mother from before I could walk, and she thrived on social statuses and money. She was enthused when I married into the Reynolds family and I felt like so many people were counting on me to be the perfect wife. I am ashamed to say it got out of hand. I was so caught up in the things of this world, I forgot what's really important." She smiled and looked towards the girls and Mason once again. This time though, Mason stared back with a small smile on his face, understanding.
 
"But you do still love him, don't you?"
 
"I will always love Charles, but if he refuses to see the error in his actions and make a change, I won't go back to the way things were, I can't." Her tone was final. I couldn't agree more.
 
I looked over to Mason and realized he was staring at me. He quickly averted his gaze back to the girls, and I frowned. The girls were done eating when Marie stood up to go to their side. "Come on girls, let's get your things and get you all cleaned up before you leave." She cooed. The girls took her hands eagerly and followed her inside the house. The patio was silent when the door closed, and I was instantly uncomfortable. I looked towards Mason as he gazed over the yard and pool feigning nonchalance, but I knew better. The air was charged with nervous energy and I didn't like it. One of Mason's many talents was calming down a room. It was nearly impossible to feel uneasy around him. So why do I feel this way now? Whatever the reason I couldn't ignore it any longer. Swallowing every ounce of my pride, I turned to face him.
 
"Are you alright?"
 
Mason looked towards me slightly startled as if he forgot I was sitting right here. "Yea I'm alright."
 
"Are you sure?" He nodded before turning his head back to the view. I took a deep breath before making another attempt.
 
"Are you still coming to the wedding?" Though I already knew the answer. He nodded. "Well we'll need your help with a few last minute things if you don't mind. You'd have to be there a little early." Once again, he nodded.
 
At that moment all my nervous energy went out my window. "Mason." I called out. I gained his full attention this time. "What is the problem? Did I do something to you?"
 
He looked at me confused, "What are you.."
 
"I'm not crazy Mason. I know there's something wrong with you. You haven't held a full conversation with me in weeks. You're avoiding me, keeping this annoying distance when you see me, I just want to know what's wrong?" I pleaded. "You have been like my best friend for months and all of sudden it's like I disgust you."
 
His eyes softened instantly, and guilt took over his features. "No Ava."
 
"Is it Chasity? Does she want you to stay away from me cause if that's the case then I understand. I don't want to complicate things for you two. You've never had a problem being open and honest with me, so why can't you do it now?"
 
He stared at me with sorrowful eyes. After a moment, a look of resolve came over his face and he stood up to approach me. I tilted my head back when he stood in front of me and extended his hand. "Come take a walk with me."
 
I placed my hand gently into his, relishing in the familiar touch that I missed so much. I silently scolded my body's reaction and allowed him to pull me off of the wide patio. We walked hand in hand in the yard, passing the pool and the pool house before Mason slowed.
 
"You're right." He started. "I hadn't realized my actions would've caused you so much discomfort. I was trying not to complicate things."
 
"Because of Chasity?"
 
"No because of you and Royce. You're happy and I don't want to get in the middle of that." He paused for a moment before sighing. "Chasity and I broke up."
 
My steps flattered as I came to a sudden stop, shocked. "What? Oh my God, are you okay? Why didn't you tell me? Is that why you were acting this way? When did this happen?"
 
Mason smiled gently before tugging me to a slow walk once again. "I'm okay Ava, trust me. I didn't tell anyone beside my family, it's not exactly public news yet, thankfully. We broke up the night I approached my father and I don't regret it."
 
Caleb kept this part of the story to himself. I had no clue. "But what about the business deal?"
 
"Cancelled. The deal was dismissed after I ended it with her, as I knew it would. It was another reason my father was upset."
 
"He hasn't spoken to you since?"
 
"No and I don't want him to. My focus has been working on my business in every aspect. If it has nothing to do with the girls or work, I pretty much shut it out and I'm sorry for that."
 
"God no, I'm sorry. I had no idea you were dealing with all of this all at once. It's no wonder you were so out of it. I thought I offended you because you avoided me like a disease."
 
Mason frowned slightly, "I really am sorry about that, I knew I should've told you. It was all too much too fast. I don't want you to think that I didn't want you around, it was the opposite. Another reason I was being so distant was because I knew that Royce wouldn't be thrilled if he knew I was now on the market."
 
I shook my head instantly although a part of me understood his need to exercise caution with me. "Royce knows you're not a threat to him, Mason. It hasn't been that way between him and I for a while now."
 
He nodded slowly to himself. "Well, if I'm being honest, I must admit that I am a threat to him."
 
I paused. My heart stuttered in my chest instantly before spiking to an alarming rate. I tilted my head back to read the expression on his face, wondering if he was serious or not. There was no trace of humor in his eyes as he stared back intently, gauging my reaction. I chuckled nervously before coming to a complete stop. "Very funny." I rolled my eyes playfully.
 
Mason faced me fully and gave me a curious look. His gaze was intense. "I'm not joking." He whispered. I couldn't help the sudden shutter up my spine.
 
"Mason."
 
"I've been trying so hard to keep this at bay but I can't anymore, I'm failing."